The FDA approved esomeprazole (Nexium) to help short term gastroesophagel reflux disease (GERD) in children between the ages of 1 and 11. The drug was approved in 2 forms: the delayed release capsule and a magnesium liquid, in 10 and 20 mg doses.

This proton pump inhibitor was already approved for adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17. This approval shows promise to help children in managing the disease more effectively. The FDA approved Nexium on the basis of exploratory research demonstrating the drug’s effectiveness and safety for use with children. Previous studies showed improvement among the children who were administered Nexium.

The FDS suggests monitoring of these children over time to ensure that they do not have any adverse side effects. There are some side effects, although not ever patient will experience them, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, constipation and dry mouth.